Type of Residence Visa in UAE: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a top destination for expats, entrepreneurs, and investors looking for a high-quality lifestyle, tax-free income, and business-friendly environment. Dubai, in particular, is a major hub for foreign nationals, with nearly 90% of its population made up of expats.
To live, work, or invest in the UAE, you need a residence visa. There are several types of residence visas in the UAE, each catering to different needs, such as employment, business ownership, investment, retirement, and remote work.
This guide covers: ✔ Types of Residence Visas in UAE
✔ Eligibility & Requirements
✔ Application Process
✔ Costs & Renewal Procedures
If you’re planning to move to the UAE, this article will help you choose the right visa and understand the requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for a UAE Residence Visa
To apply for a residence visa in the UAE, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria. The most common ways to obtain a UAE residence visa include:
✅ Employment in the UAE – Requires a minimum salary of AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 with accommodation)
✅ Starting a Business or Investing – Entrepreneurs and investors can self-sponsor their visa
✅ Studying in the UAE – Students accepted into UAE universities can apply for a student visa
✅ Being Sponsored by a Family Member – Expats can sponsor their spouse, children, and parents
✅ Owning Property in the UAE – Property owners can apply for an Investor Visa
✅ Retirement Visa – For retirees meeting financial requirements
✅ Remote Work Visa – For digital nomads and remote employees working from the UAE
💡 Each visa has specific requirements and application steps, which we’ll cover in detail.
Type of Residence Visa in UAE
The UAE offers several types of residence visas, depending on your purpose for staying.
1. Work Visa (Employment Visa)- Type of Residence Visa in UAE
✔ For expats employed by a UAE-based company
✔ Sponsored by the employer
✔ Valid for 1-3 years and renewable
2. Investor Visa (Business Visa)- Type of Residence Visa in UAE
✔ For entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners
✔ Self-sponsored by the company or investment
✔ Eligible for 5- and 10-year Golden Visa options
3. Family Visa- Type of Residence Visa in UAE
✔ Allows expats to sponsor their spouse, children, and parents
✔ Sponsor must earn a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation
✔ Valid for 1-3 years and renewable
4. Student Visa- Type of Residence Visa in UAE
✔ For students enrolled in UAE universities
✔ Sponsored by the university or an educational institution
✔ Outstanding students can apply for a 5-year Golden Visa
5. Property Investor Visa- Type of Residence Visa in UAE
✔ For foreigners who own real estate in the UAE
✔ Investment must be AED 1 million+ in a property
✔ Allows 2-5 years of residency and renewable
6. Retirement Visa- Type of Residence Visa in UAE
✔ For retired individuals aged 55+
✔ Requires financial proof of income or savings
✔ Offers a 5-year renewable visa
7. Remote Work Visa- Type of Residence Visa in UAE
✔ For freelancers, remote workers, and digital nomads
✔ Allows self-sponsorship for 1 year (renewable)
✔ Lets foreigners live in the UAE while working for an international employer
💡 Which Visa is Right for You?
- If you have a job offer in the UAE → Apply for a Work Visa
- If you own a business → Apply for an Investor Visa
- If you want to bring family → Apply for a Family Visa
- If you’re a student → Apply for a Student Visa
- If you own real estate → Apply for a Property Investor Visa
- If you’re retired → Apply for a Retirement Visa
- If you’re a remote worker → Apply for a Remote Work Visa
Requirements for a UAE Residence Visa
To apply for a UAE residence visa, you must submit the following documents:
✔ Completed visa application form
✔ Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
✔ Passport-sized photos
✔ Entry Permit (from your sponsor or business setup agent)
✔ Proof of employment or business ownership (for work or investor visas)
✔ Proof of financial status (for investors, retirees, and property owners)
✔ Medical fitness test results
✔ UAE health insurance plan
✔ Tenancy contract or property ownership proof
💡 Certain visas may require additional approvals, such as a company trade license for investor visas or a university admission letter for student visas.
Application Process for a UAE Residence Visa
Step 1: Obtain an Entry Permit
Before applying for a residence visa, you must first obtain an Entry Permit from:
✅ Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA)
✅ General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA)
Step 2: Enter the UAE
Once you receive your Entry Permit, you must enter the UAE before applying for the residence visa.
Step 3: Medical Test & Emirates ID Registration
✔ Undergo a mandatory medical fitness test
✔ Apply for a UAE Emirates ID
Step 4: Residence Visa Application
Your sponsor (employer, family member, or business) must submit your residence visa application to GDRFA.
Step 5: Visa Approval & Stamping
Once approved, the UAE residence visa is stamped on your passport, and you will receive an Emirates ID.
Cost of a UAE Residence Visa- Type of Residence Visa in UAE
The cost of a UAE residence visa depends on:
✔ Type of Visa (Work, Investor, Family, etc.)
✔ Validity Period (1-3 years or 5-10 years for Golden Visa)
✔ Medical & Emirates ID Fees
✔ Visa Stamping & Administration Fees
💡 Typical Fees:
- 1-Year Visa: AED 100 – 500
- 2-3 Year Visa: AED 2,000 – 4,000
- Golden Visa (5-10 Years): AED 10,000+
- Medical Tests & Emirates ID: AED 700 – 1,500
💰 Get an Accurate Cost Estimate – Contact Dubai Business Service for a personalized visa quote.
Renewing Your UAE Residence Visa- Type of Residence Visa in UAE
A UAE residence visa is renewable before its expiration date. The renewal process follows the same steps as the initial application.
✔ Work & Family Visas → Renew every 1-3 years
✔ Golden Visas → Renew every 5-10 years
✔ Retirement & Remote Work Visas → Renew every 1-5 years
⚠️ Grace Period for Renewal:
- 30-day grace period after visa expiry
- Failure to renew results in fines and penalties
Why Work with Dubai Business Service?
Navigating UAE residence visa regulations can be complex. Dubai Business Service simplifies the process by offering:
✔ Expert Visa Consultation – Find the best residence visa option
✔ Fast Visa Approvals – Get visa processing done quickly
✔ Business Setup & Investor Visas – Start a company in Dubai & self-sponsor your visa
✔ Family & Dependent Sponsorship – Bring your family to the UAE hassle-free
📞 Get Started Today! Contact Dubai Business Service for a free consultation and expert assistance with your UAE residence visa application! 🚀
